Winemaker Notes
Aromas of dark ripe Bing cherries entwine with an alluring combination of briny minerality and earthy notes. Flavors of Luxardo cherries and black tea along with touches of French oak add complexity to this textured wine.
This robust pinot noir is beautiful with roasted vegetables, game meats and generally rich, savory foods like crispy duck breasts with maple sauce or smoked chicken. This wine is also excellent on its own.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.